U.S President Donald Trump has expanded the country’s travel ban adding seven more nations including Syria and Palestinian Authority passport holders to the list of restricted entrants. The White House says the move targets countries with persistent deficiencies in screening, vetting and information sharing, aimed at protecting national security and public safety.
The new restrictions, which also affect Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Laos and Sierra Leone will take effect on January 1. This comes despite Trump’s recent efforts to engage with Syria including landmark talks with President Ahmed al Sharaa a former al Qaeda commander now seeking to unify the war torn country.
The White House cited concerns over visa overstays and insufficient screening capabilities in Syria noting the country still lacks a strong central authority to issue passports or civil documents.
This expansion follows Trump’s earlier proclamation in June banning citizens of twelve countries and restricting seven others a move described as necessary to counter foreign terrorist threats. Additional entry limitations were also applied to 15 more countries including Nigeria amid allegations of persecution against Christians a claim disputed by Nigerian authorities.
Since returning to office Trump has aggressively prioritised immigration enforcement sending federal agents to major U.S cities restricting asylum seekers and tightening border controls. The latest measures come in the wake of a shooting in Washington D.C carried out by an Afghan national who entered through a resettlement program highlighting the administration’s focus on stricter vetting and border security.
